Photos Framed: A Fresh Look at the World's Most Memorable Photographs

Gr 5–8—A brief introduction provides the framework for this slim book, which details 27 photographs under four thematic sections: portraits, nature, and documentary, and art images. Each quality, full-page reproduction sits opposite a page of information that includes a few facts (title, date, and name of the artist), along with a paragraph on the picture, noting its artistic or historical relevance, and one on the photographer discussing his/her medium, subjects, etc. Most of the featured artists are American or European. "Photo Thoughts" are presented as questions, which focus on the artist's decisions and/or the composition. They, and the "Blow Up" and "Zoom In" boxes, which point out additional details, are generally relevant but occasionally superfluous. The selections span a number of years and subjects, offering a look at how the art form developed, and about some of photography's most famous practitioners. For example, under portraits, readers will find a daguerreotype of Louis Daguerre (by Jean-Baptiste Sabatier-Blot, 1844), who produced the first eponymous permanent photograph. Nature photography highlights Eadweard Muybridge's "The Horse in Motion" (1878), which is credited as one of the precursors to high-speed photography and film. Modern images and artists are represented in work of Martin Parr, David Hockney, and Cristina Garcia Rodero. Brad Finger's 13 Photos Children Should Know (Prestel, 2011) features fewer pictures and is more subjective in tone, while each title in Capstone's superlative "Captured History" series offers an in-depth look at one image of historical significance. Consider Framed for collections needing an introduction to the topic.—Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal